Kaaaaabooooooom. Big changes don’t always require a big bang. Often, it just takes a simple realization. In the second part of this editorial, you’ll find out why consistency is key and how it’s intrinsically linked to dramatic transformations. Because change is always good – and if not, the real art lies in making them good!
We are in the midst of big changes – and even bigger ones lie ahead. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about world politics, but our beloved e-mountainbike world: new technologies are sending old ones into retirement, changing the way we ride and the bikes we use the hottest segment of the eMTB world comes to a sudden end – see why in the big ight-eMTB comparison test in this issue. Few comparison tests have and will change bike development as much as this one has!
Adding to this are new players – like Chinese tech colossus DJI – which has the potential to make well-known players tremble – and with a bang! We were the first magazine in the world to test the new motor system on the trail, and the results were surprising even for us. But there’s also a lot happening in the drivetrain segment – automatic drivetrains like Shimano’s have been around for a while and offer great potential, especially for tourers and trekkers. At the same time, there are more and more motor/gearbox units available on the market – we tested three exciting models in direct comparison. Is this the end of the classic rear derailleur? Not by a long shot, but you’ll find out where we stand and where we might be heading with this issue!
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Every big change brings along a big cloud of question marks. That’s no reason to panic. It’s completely normal. And it’s okay. Can you surf? Or sail? I can’t. But I’ve just started a beginners paragliding course. Already in the first theory lesson – or at the latest during the first flight – you’ll learn on a small scale what also applies on a bigger scale: the weather never changes abruptly, it always gives you some kind of warning. You just have to pay attention: listen carefully, tune in, and stay calm.
The wind is stronger than a human being. And it’s the same story with with change. That’s why we need to learn how to deal with it. Do we let it knock us down? Do we get out of the way? Or do we use the power to fly? It’s just as crucial to know how and when to set our sail as it is to read the terrain and weather. When it gets stormy, many things help, but one thing never does: panic. Because then we’re sure to make (or take) the wrong decision. And that’s what’s happening with the highly-hyped and now wobbly ight-eMTB segment. This will hit some motor and bike manufacturers hard, while others see opportunities or are even driving this development.
The MTB community faces challenges too, not only in Germany, but also worldwide. There are always issues with trail building and legalization. A reason to freak out? On the contrary: Not yet a member of an MTB club? Then it’s time to become one! Clubs are the key to pushing the MTB lobby (not only in Germany) and legalizing trails. They provide the perfect platform to share the passion for mountain biking, improve skills, and actively support our sport and nature. Together we can achieve more – let’s not wait for others to do the job for us!
Our friend Frank proves that drastic changes shouldn’t bring you to your knees. After suffering a heart attack, he didn’t lose faith and got to the root of the problem, fundamentally changing his life. Because everything has its reasons, the only question is: are we ready to explore them?
What Frank’s heart attack shows, and what everyone knows: sudden changes, uncertainties, and problems are inevitable in life. But that’s not the point. What matters is how we deal with them. And this is where we come in: if we learn to set our sails correctly, read the sea, and surf the waves, we acquire skills that no one can take away from us. Skills that guarantee our ability to act when others are already paralyzed in fear and panic. This means: we never need to have all the answers or complete clarity, but we should know what to do to get them step by step. And behold: suddenly, a problem becomes a motivation. A lack of ability turns into an exciting learning journey. And a change becomes an opportunity. Those who understand this know how much life has to offer. So, roll up your sleeves!
Why do so many people want to become millionaires? You can see in many ways that having, owning, and buying everything doesn’t make you happy. Instead of a smile, you see worried, tired and empty eyes. Why? Maybe because people focus too much on impressing others rather than themselves. Our top model and test rider Erik experienced a life changing transformation years ago after buying over 200 Porsches. He quickly realized: better to be a “skillionaire” than a millionaire. And since then, he’s been honing his skills every day… and yes, he quite enjoys upgrading his equipment too.
A quick escape into nature to clear your mind and find out how little you really need to be happy? Ok, this might sound like a cheesy calendar quote, but when everything is too much again, just embark on a micro-adventure! Our junior editor and my namesake, Robin (Ulbrich), grabbed the new Canyon Neuron:ONfly and did just that together with his colleague Antonia.
Roof top tents have a similar adventure potential, perhaps with a smidge more luxury. That’s why we tested 12 ½ rooftop tents in a direct comparison for our sister magazine DOWNTOWN – including disappointments, surprises, and countless insights. But with rooftop tents, it’s just like with bikes: the best rooftop tent alone doesn’t make for a successful road trip. That’s why this story is packed with impulses and inspiration – what are you waiting for?
You’re sick of your local trails? Rooftop tents and micro-adventures aren’t your thing? Then it might be time to pack your bike at the back of your car and find new spots! The only thing missing is the right bike rack. But which one suits you and your bikes best? Our colleagues at sister magazine DOWNTOWN compared 7 bike hitch-mount bike racks and can tell us what to watch out for when buying a bike rack to avoid nasty surprises and get to your destination safely. The shocking discovery: for many bike racks, there are no good reasons to buy them, but for one, there are many… read on to find out!
Speaking of bikes and cars: Have you ever experienced an original Porsche 959 Dakar from the Porsche Museum messing up your Persian rug? Neither have we. At least not until the HEIZR Dusty Rides weekend, where exactly that happened. If you know us, you also know that we love to shred new trails – so why not bring the hottest bikes to a classic car event to attract new target groups and readers, get people excited about our magazines and riding bikes, and, of course, celebrate the DOWNTOWN lifestyle? Here are some impressions from the well-attended festival with 1,500 interested visitors.
Recently, I visited LEICA in Wetzlar to discuss potential collaborations with our sister magazine DOWNTOWN. There, I immediately fell in love with two things: first, the famous quote by LEICA founder Ernst Leitz II, which he came up with when deciding whether to go into production with his 35mm camera in 1914 despite the tough economic climate: “I hereby decide, it will be risked.” Second, the Leica hashtag #dasWesentliche (#theEssential). Those who take both to heart, recognizing the essentials and mustering the courage to act accordingly, will be rewarded.
And suddenly it’s: “Changes? Yes, please!” Because when we are clear about what we can and want to do and what the potentials are, every change becomes an opportunity. Life is meant to be lived, not spent worrying or hiding away. So: pack your bikes, charge your batteries, and let’s rock the trails!
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Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Diverse
